Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

These are nicotine patches. They can help you quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms, like nicotine cravings.  

You should start the nicotine patch on your 'quit day'. You should choose an area of skin that is dry, clean, and hairless. Then, peel the backing off of the patch, and press it onto the skin for 10 seconds.

You should wear the patch for 24 hours. Then, remove it and apply a new patch on a new area of skin. To throw away the old patch, fold the sticky ends together. Then, put it in the original pouch, and discard it safely out of the reach of children and pets.  

Nicotine patches come in three strengths - 21 mg, 14 mg and 7 mg. In general, people who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day use the 21 mg patches for the first 6 weeks. Then, they use the 14 mg patch for 2 weeks. They finish with the 7 mg patches for 2 weeks. You should read the directions on the package to know what strength is best for you.  

Side effects include sleep problems or weird dreams. If these happen, you may want to wear the patch only when you are awake. 

There are times that you should check with your doctor BEFORE using this medicine. Check first if you have heart problems, high blood pressure that is not controlled, or an allergy to tape. 

Likewise, there are times you should STOP using this medicine and check with your doctor. Stop and check if you have changes to your skin, changes to your heartbeat, or symptoms of too much nicotine, like nausea, dizziness, weakness or a fast heartbeat.

For best results with nicotine patches, read the instructions in full.